While we moan about problems like traffic and growth in our city, there can be no more pressing issue than the lack of police.
Personal safety is paramount to enjoying living anywhere, and when that’s compromised it becomes a very big problem. I find it hard to fathom why it took us so long to get the second police station on Sayers Road. Almost the day it opened we needed another.
This catch-up mentality isn’t owned by either side of politics; it is, unfortunately, shared. Why? Because there’s no political gain in winning the hearts and minds of voters in our area. This may change slightly after this election when we control two seats rather than one, but I strongly doubt it.
Don’t blame the police either; if I see one more social media rant about being booked for not wearing a seat belt or using a mobile “while drug-dealers and murderers roam the streets” I’ll scream. Police are doing the best they can.
The money spent on so many useless and unimportant non-essential programs at every level of government is obscene. Do we need a new sculpture in the main street or do we prefer more police to make sure people in that street feel safe? Yes, I know that’s an exaggeration, but it’s worth asking. Rallies and petitions serve their purpose but we need action.
Suspended Coffee
I’ve never been comfortable with beggars in the streets, and not in that look-down- your-nose-on way, either. My problem has always been giving money and not knowing what it was being used for. But I’ve discovered a program that originated in Rome called Suspended Coffee.
The idea is you pay for a coffee for someone who can’t afford one.
Cafes which sign up for the program display stickers so those in need know where to go. I checked their website and couldn’t find any cafes in Wyndham that were registered, which is a shame, although there are a few in the west at Altona, Spotswood and Seddon.
I know a cup of coffee won’t change someone’s life but it does give the donor the certainty the money is being used in the right way.
I’d love to hear from Wyndham businesses who’ll sign up. Go to www.suspendedcoffeemelbourne.com.au
■ What do you think? Post a comment below
■ If you have any news or events, let me know at kevin@howdypartnersmedia.com.au
